Oregon Ministry Network

The Impact of Being Wholehearted

1 Chronicles 28:8-10, "So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel and of the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever. "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."

Who was responsible for passing on the blessing of God in your life?

I am grateful for Lewis Wilson. He made a decision nearly 100 years ago that changed the course of six generations thus far. In a small church in Colorado, he chose to become a Christ follower. That decision has impacted six generations. I’m the 4th generation, our children are the 5th and now our grandchildren are the 6th generation who have had the blessing passed on. It pays to be a wholehearted Christ follower.

Wholehearted

He sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:20-21

Did you see the recent cover of Time magazine? As I was checking out at our local Fred Meyers, I couldn’t help but see the cover with these words, The Decade From Hell. Of course, I picked it up and discovered that the lead article chronicled the last 10 years of economical, political and social adversities in the U.S. and the world. It focused on all the major negative events that took place between 2000 and 2010. 

Although I remember each of the events mentioned and remember the fear and devastation they brought, I also remembered that during the last 10 years, God’s work increased in various ways. I recalled the many times I experienced a little bit of  heaven on earth. I thought of the people who came to Christ, the churches that were planted or revitalized and the various ministries launched in the last decade. Some of the greatest outreaches I was ever involved in took place during the last 10 years.  

Living The Divine Dream

 …the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia
to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing. Ezra 1:1

Are you living a Dream? Earlier this year, our Son, Phil and our daughter, Christy announced they had a dream to run the 2009 New York Marathon. For the 10 months they began to train and qualify for the 26.2 mile endurance run, to fulfill the dream. After months of grueling workouts and long runs, on November 1, 2009, I watch them not only begin the race but finish the race.

Passing the Faith Along

We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. Psalms 78:4

I am grateful for those who have directly and indirectly passed the faith along to me. First, my wonderful parents who not only mentored me in the faith but modeled for me what it means to be a Christ follower and Christian leader. There have been those key people God has brought my way to help me understand the Word and ways of God. Recently I was able to have some quality time with a remarkable veteran of the faith.

A Battle Buddy

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.

A couple of years ago I was inspired by my friend Pastor Stu Webber who encouraged every leader to have a "Battle Buddy". Stu drew from his military service in Viet Nam and shared the value and importance of having people in your life who will stand with you in the good and difficult times. No one should attempt to live the Christian life alone. A "Battle Buddy" is a close friend who makes a commitment to stand with you and to stay with you in the midst of a battle or conflict. Neither will abandon the other. They have pledged to be their for each other.

Followship & Leadership

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1

While I was driving, I got stuck behind a very slow car. The driver appeared to be uncertain about the direction they were going. Ironically, this was the bumper sticker on the back of the car: Don’t follow me, I’m lost. Perhaps you’ve been behind that car.

It got me thinking about the people who have been the leaders in my life and how they have influence my life. I have never been inspired or excited about leaders who have been uncertain about where they were going. It gives me a feeling of insecurity, uncertainty and a lack of destiny. For the most part, I have been blessed with a number of remarkable leaders who have been both positive models and progressive mentor for me. Beginning with my parents, there have been a host of key people who have helped me develop my commitment to becoming a Christ Follower and Church Leader. Wow have I been blessed.

Having A Life Verse

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Do you have a life verse? Since I was about 18 years old, I have claimed Proverbs 3:5-6 as significant verses for my life. As you know, there are three direct commands in the verses - trust - lean not - acknowledge Him. I must tell you that I have found myself tested everyday by these commands and on certain days considered changing to a new verse that was not so demanding. But to be honest with you, I really need these directives, trust–lean not–acknowledge Him. I have found that when I’m committed to these three commands, God always does His part, “He will make your paths straight.”  I can look back over the years of my life and see that He has ordered my footsteps, taking me places I never dreamed I would go, including the role I presently serve in.

I encourage you to select a life verse if you haven’t already. Select a verse that you can hide in your heart and remember in your head. A verse that will remind you of God’s mission and purpose for your life.  Revisit it often.  Ponder it, proclaim it and practice it. (There’s a message outline for you).  Let me throw in another “P” word, enjoy the payoff! Trust and obey, for there is no other way; To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Now there’s a song from the past.  Guest what?  It still works!